SO what’s it like being mayor again? A question I’m often asked. My reply: “It’s mostly good.”
There are, of course, two functions the town’s First Citizen has to perform: 1 – to fulfil the role of chairman of the council; and 2 -to represent the council at local and civic events, by far the most enjoyable part of the job.
Chairing the full council is the more challenging, especially with a council like Lyme which has a reputation for -how can I put it? - combative debate.
It was 40 years when I last chaired a full meeting of the council and I have to admit my chairing skills are a little rusty. That’s why I’m lucky to have Cllr Michaela Ellis, five times Mayor of Lyme and the council’s longest serving councillor, as my deputy. When it comes to procedural matters, Michaela is streaks ahead of the rest of us. She keeps me on my toes.
Council split over 20mph
In the two months I have been in the job the most controversial matter under discussion at the Guildhall has been the possible introduction of a 20mph speed limit by Dorset Council. The council is split down the middle on this matter and the public gallery brim full for the debate.
Nine council-taxpayers spoke in favour of a near-blanket coverage with just one speaker against.
I based my decision on the number of people who had contacted me either by email or personal contact , urging me to give my support ,and a very compelling case from two residents in Pound Road who attended my first surgery in the Mayor’s Parlour.
Giving my vote in favour of the near-blanket scheme, despite a 300-signature petition calling for a limited scheme outside the schools, angered a number from the opposite camp.
But one lesson I learnt in the early stages of my first mayoralty all those years ago is that you can’t please them all. Nothing has changed. It comes with territory.
However, such skirmishes are more than compensated for the enjoyable task of attending local events and representing the town at civic gatherings all over Dorset. In September and October I attended 18 such events (see list below).
The people of Lyme always show great respect for those who wear the mayor’s chains and I am pleased to say that tradition continues. I was delighted with the response to my first surgery held in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall. A couple of locals even dropped in just to wish me well and thank me for taking on the job.
Honouring a very special young man
I can’t let this column pass without a mention of Joshua Denning, Lyme’s champion fundraiser who made it to the finals of the Pride In Britain awards and in doing so brought huge publicity to our town. I am very much in favour of the council recognising those residents who go that extra mile for their home town and I’m pleased that the council was unanimous when I proposed that Joshua’s fundraising for all the town’s major charities be recognise by making him a Freeman of the Town.
You have to be a very special person to be considered for such an honour and there is no doubt that Joshua is a very special individual and we look forward to presenting a Freedom scroll to him at a mayoralty reception at the Guildhall on November 15.
*If you would like to discuss any issue about the running of Lyme, my surgeries are being held 10am to 12 noon on the third Saturday of every month. If you wish to pop in contact the Mayor’s Assistant, Anne-Marie Shepherd on 01297 445175 to book an appointment.
Lyme Regis Town Council
Mayor’s Announcements for Cllr Philip Evans MBE
5 September With the Town Clerk, meeting with the Police & Crime Commissioner concerning an increase in anti-social behaviour with representatives of the Traders Association.
8 September Accompanied by the Mayoress, started a tractor run from the Cobb Lyme to Dorchester by the Ball family to raise money for the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust. The event raised £2,000 for this worthy charity.
11 September Attended the Bridport Civic Day which included visits to the West Bay Discovery Centre, Bridport Museum and the Bridport Youth Community Centre. After lunch in the Town Hall, the Town Clerk Will Austin gave a presentation on the work of the town council.
18 September With the Mayoress, attended the Christchurch Civic Centre, a town with a 55,000 population but only five employees at the Town Council which has very few assets. Most interesting was a visit to the local cinema, which was bought by the former Christchurch Borough Council and is now run by a trust.
19 September Accompanied by former mayoress, attended the announcement at Lifeboat Station that Joshua Denning was in the final four of the West Country Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year.
22 September With the Mayoress, attended the 30th anniversary of the new Village Hall at Uplyme where a cream team was served and village groups promoted their services.
23 September With the Town Clerk, attended the Low Carbon Dorset Exhibition at the Jubilee Pavilion.
24 September With town Clerk and our Support Services Manager, met with the Headmaster of the Woodroffe School to discuss the council’s bursary scheme and other issues affecting young people in the town, including anti-social behaviour and drugs.
25 September Spent an enjoyable hour or so at the Talking Café and spoke to them about the good work the council was doing in the town and was able to assure them we were doing all we could to replace the town bus service.
2 October With the Mayoress, attended a cream tea at the Golf Club to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lyme Regis Development Trust with many of the volunteers from The Hub in attendance.
11 October Officially opened the new outdoor gym equipment in Lister Garden, attended by Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, our Support Services Manager and staff members. It’s a great addition to our amenities and I am sure will by well used.
15 October With Town Clerk and Support Services Manager, attended a meeting with representatives from the Traders Association who outlined their plans for a Christmas Festival. We were impressed with their presentation and agreed to consider a donation from the council towards the cost.
15 October Accompanied by the Mayoress, attended the launch of the Stampede by the Sea fundraising initiative for the Weldmar Hospice. The council has agreed for one of the elephants to be sited on our beach in 2025 although no sponsors from Lyme had been found.
16 October Met with the Directors of the Food Bank who briefed me on their operation and the increasing need for their services in Lyme.
October 19 My first surgery in the Mayor’s Parlour with seven residents raising issues, primarily the 20 mph proposal for the town. I will be holding a surgery on the third Saturday of every month.
October 23 Accompanied by the Mayoress, I attended the 105th birthday of Joan Cool, Lyme’s oldest resident at Fairfield House and presented her with bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates.
October 26 Accompanied by the Mayoress I attended a concert by Lyme Regis Town Band at Charmouth Primary School following a day-log workshop which included brass band musicians from all over Dorset.